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Tropical Seeds General Tropical plant cultivation information: The most common problems are keeping the seeds too wet and using incorrect soil. The soil must be well- draining. Never use vermiculite as it holds water. Use sand in the soil mixture. When seeds are kept too wet you 'rot the baby'. Fresh air is important. Most tropical plants like bright light and warmth. Watch for mold and bacteria. You can use dry sand or cigarette ash on mold. Very hard coated seeds can take time to germinate. Very soft seeds are more likely to rot. In general, err on the side of making the soil too dry rather than too wet. Page 1 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Agati Botanical Name Sesbania grandiflora Climate Tropical Planting Instructions Sow in June and July, putting 3–4 seeds per hole in a narrow channel directly into garden. Soak seeds in just boiled water overnight and scarify (rub small seeds between sandpaper; for large seeds, clip, cut or file off a small part of the seed coat without damaging the inside of the seed) the unswollen seeds. Or scarify all seeds and soak overnight. Tolerates heavy soils and poor soils. Will grow shorter and provide a shaded canopy if planted together or will grow to full height if allowed 15 feet of distance. Grows well with coconut plants and provides shade for them. Light Full sun Water Tolerates drought and water logged soils. Germination Rate 1-4 weeks. 50%-75% of seeds typically germinate Days to Maturity Do not know by this name Special Instructions Cut the plant when it is approximately 3 feet tall. After the plant is harvested, shoots resprout with such vigor that they seem irrepressible. Part of Plant used Pods, seeds, bark, leaves, gums, and flowers Spiritual Needs Medicinal Uses The astringent bark was used in treating smallpox, diarrhea, dysentery, scabies, mouth and gastrointestinal ulcers, paludism (from mosquitoes) and other eruptive fevers. The juice from the flowers is used to treat headache, head congestion or stuffy nose. As a snuff, the juice is supposed to clear the nasal sinuses. Leaves are poulticed onto bruises and rheumatic swellings and are chewed to disinfect the mouth and throat. The fruits are laxative and are indicated for constipation, anemia, bronchitis, fever, pain, thirst, and tumors; the flowers increase appetite and are cooling. The flowers are indicated for worms, fungus, epilepsy, itch, leprosy, bronchitis, gout, night blindness, atrophy of the nose, and fever occurring every 4th day; the root is used for inflammation, indicated for rheumatism. Description Has enormous white or red flowers, to 4" long. This tree grows to 40 feet. It is fast growing. Pods reach the length of 2 feet. Other The pods are excellent forage (edible), used as green manure, to fix nitrogen into the soil and to provide a high amount of vitamins, minerals and protein. Purchased From J.L. Hudson Page 2 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Allspice Botanical Name Pimenta dioica Climate Tropical Planting Instructions Light Water Germination Rate Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used Unripe green berries Spiritual Needs Masculine - spiritually used to promote spiritual healing - cultivates intuitive awareness Medicinal Uses Used for pain relief such as in toothaches, muscle and joint pain and as a digestive aid. It is also indicated for colds, menstrual cramps, upset stomach, indigestion, flatulence and diabetes. Promotes digestion. Description This tree grows to 40 feet, has large leathery oblong leaves and produces clusters of 1/2 inch reddish-greenish brown berries the size of a pea from small white flowers. Other Purchased From Banana Tree Page 3 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Anil del Muerto Botanical Name Verbesina encelioides Climate Subtropic/Tropical Planting Instructions sow directly in the garden or in pots early in the spring or summer. Prefers a small amount of space Light Full sun Water Average to low water Germination Rate 6 days Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used Spiritual Needs The Navajo chewed the petals to bring good luck while hunting and placed the flowers on their homes and in their hair to ward off lightning - masculine Medicinal Uses Used as an anti-inflammatory, digestive aid, tones the kidneys, reduces water retention, is beneficial for the male reproductive system and is used to treat skin diseases and spider bites. Description Many, striking yellow mini sunflowers with gray green leaves. It is an upright to sprawling annual that reaches a height of one to four feet. The leaves are coarsely toothed and measure two to four inches in length. The yellow flower head consists of numerous disk flowers and approximately 12 ray flowers Other Purchased From Horizon Page 4 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Anise Botanical Name Pimpinella anisum Climate Tropical/Subtropic Planting Instructions Easily grown from seed. Sow directly into garden in early spring 1/8 of an inch deep in warm soil as tap root makes transplanting difficult. Prefer a moderate amount of space. Grows well in poor or sandy soil. Keep weeds away and keep sheltered from the wind. Prefers a slightly acidic (compost-rich) soil. Light Full sun Water Plenty of water during germination and growth cycles. Well drained soil. Grows well in dry soil. Germination Rate 1-4 days. 75%-100% of seeds typically germinate Days to Maturity Will flower in late summer to early fall Special Instructions Harvest seeds by cutting whole seed heads after they have ripened but before they have broken open. Red dry fruit should be gathered between July and September. Part of Plant used seed Spiritual Needs Masculine, energies of purification and usefulness. Anise preserves useful childlike qualities and is used for dreams. Anise is a good companion in the Astral Realm. It combines well with Amber. In certain circumstances, Anise is used for cleansing spiritual baths. Star Anise is used for intuitive work. Anise also brings loving spirits for protection in gardens. Medicinal Uses Anise is used for colic, gas, indigestion, diarrhea in infants. It is also used to loosen phlegm from the lungs for expectoration, for coughs, bronchitis and asthma. Anise also promotes milk flow in nursing mothers, tones the kidneys and has a mild estrogenic action. May also induce the regeneration of liver cells. It is used as a treatment for water retention, headache, insomnia, nausea, lice, cholera, bacterial infections and growths. Affects the lungs, spleen and liver. Description The leaves are finely divides, long and slender, the flowers are yellow and the plant reaches a height of 3-6 feet. Other good source of iron Purchased From Banana Tree Page 5 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Barbados nut Botanical Name Jatropha curcas Climate Planting Instructions Light Water Germination Rate Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used Leaf, root, seed, latex Spiritual Needs masculine - spiritually used for protection and healing to the first and second chakras Medicinal Uses Has been used for growths, pain, wounds, worms, burns, carbuncles, convulsions, cough, dermatitis, diarrhea, dropsy, dysentery, indigestion, eczema, erysipelas, fever, gonorrhea, hernia, incontinence, inflammation, jaundice, nerve pain, paralysis, labor, pleurisy, pneumonia, rash, rheumatism, scabies, sciatica, sores, stomachache, syphilis, tetanus, thrush, tumors, ulcers, uterine disorders, whitlows (abscess on a finger), yellow fever and the kidneys. It is an antiseptic, stops bleeding, reduces water retention, induces vomiting, relieves pain (narcotic). It aids in healing wounds, opens up pathways of elimination, increases milk flow, purges the digestive tract, brings blood to the surface of the skin, reduces accumulation of fluid in connective tissue and pleural membranes. Latex can be applied topically to bee and wasp stings, burns, hemorrhoids, ringworm, ulcers inflamed tongues and toothaches. The leaf decoction is used topically for arthritis, scabies. The heated leaves placed on the breast induce milk flow. The leaves increase blood flow to the surface of the skin for paralysis and rheumatism; also applied to hard tumors. Leaves are used internally for venereal disease, heartburn, parasites. The root decoction is used for dysentery internally and as a mouthwash for bleeding gums and toothache. Seeds are used also for dropsy, gout, paralysis, lack of appetite and skin ailments. The seed oil induces vomiting, bowel movements, purges the digestive tract and is used for skin ailments. Homeopathically used for cold sweats, colic, collapse, cramps, cyanosis (blue skin due to lack of oxygen), diarrhea, leg cramps. Description Shrub or tree to 18 feet, with spreading branches and stubby twigs, with a milky or yellowish latex sap. Leaves fall in the autumn, are oval, heart shaped leaves. Flowers are green-yellow, bell-shaped male and female. Fruit is a capsule that splits into 3 valves, all or two of which commonly have an oblong black seed. Page 6 of 61 Tropical Seeds Barbados nut continued Other This herb must be used with caution as it may be harmful if used inappropriately. The poisoning is irritant, with acute abdominal pain and nausea about 1/2 hour following ingestion. Diarrhea and nausea continue but are not usually serious. Depression and collapse (fainting) may occur, especially in children. Two seeds are strong purgative. Four to five seeds are said to have caused death due to toxin 'curcin', but the roasted seed is said to be nearly harmless Bark, fruit, leaf, root and wood are all reported to contain cyanide. Purchased From Banana Tree Page 7 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Bay Leaf, Bay Tree also known as Noble Laurel Botanical Name Laurus nobilis Climate Subtropic Planting Instructions Moderately compost-rich soil. Sow seeds in warm soil. Not cold hardy. Grow in gallon pots and transplant outdoors. Light Full sun/Partial shade Water Well drained soil. Prefers damp soil Germination Rate 4 weeks. Days to Maturity Special Instructions Bay leaves may be harvested throughout the year. Pick early in the day. Take cuttings from fresh green shoots in the fall for further planting. These will take 6 to 9 months to take root. Part of Plant used leaf, essential oil, berries Spiritual Needs Masculine - protection and aids in dreams and visions - purification - strength and wisdom in healing Medicinal Uses Bay leaf is used to soothe the stomach, increase digestion (particularly protein digestion), decrease gas, arthritis, for headaches, urinary problems, growths, worms, insect bites and stings, skin wounds, sprains, bruises and skin rashes. Bay laurel promotes menses and labor, induces perspiration, reduces water retention, induces vomiting and tones the nervous system and kidneys. It is used as a narcotic, an astringent, antifungal and antibacterial remedy. Low doses of bay oil have been found to have a sedative effect, higher doses induce stupor. The leaf reduces blood pressure mildly. The leaves and berries can be used for rheumatism, skin rashes, and earaches. Description Bay is an aromatic evergreen shrub or tree growing to 70 feet. It has leathery dark green leaves, small yellow male and female flowers and shiny black berries. Other Bay repels cockroaches in the house. Purchased From Banana Tree Page 8 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Bishops flower, Bishops weed Botanical Name Ammi majus Climate Tropical/Subtropic Planting Instructions Sow directly into garden in the spring - do not transplant. Prefers a moderate amount of space between plants. Light Partial shade Water Moderate water Germination Rate 1-2 weeks. 75%-100% of seeds will typically germinate. Days to Maturity Will be established by fall Special Instructions Harvest the seeds in late summer Part of Plant used Seeds Spiritual Needs Do not know by this name Medicinal Uses Bishop's flower seed calms the digestive system, decreases water retention, is used to treat asthma and angina, psoriasis and vitiligo, where skin looses its pigmentation. The seeds, in an infusion or as a tincture, calm the digestive system. They also relieve water retention and treat asthma and angina. It has also been used for psoriasis. Description This is a straight, annual herb that grows to almost 3 feet with tangled leaflets and umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers. Other May cause nausea, vomiting and headache as well as allergic reactions to sunlight. Purchased From J.L. Hudson Page 9 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Caltrop. Tribulus Terrestris Botanical Name Pedalium murex Climate Planting Instructions Be careful when opening seed packet - seed has extremely sharp points. Light Water Germination Rate Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used seed, flower, stems and fruits Spiritual Needs Do not know by this name Medicinal Uses The seed can induce labor, improves digestion and elimination, expels worms, is an astringent, soothes mucous membranes, reduces water retention, induces menses, increases milk flow and tones the system. It stimulates blood circulation as well. A decoction of the seed is used in treating impotency in males, gonorrhea and incontinence of urine. It has also proved effective in treating painful urination, gout and kidney diseases. The flowers are used in the treatment of leprosy. The stems are used in the treatment of scabious (with itchy eruptions) skin diseases and psoriasis. The dried and concocted fruits are used in the treatment of congestion, gas, headache, liver, inflammation of the eyes and mouth ulcers. Description Shrubby, stiff stemmed herb. The seed is four-angled and has 5 extremely sharp spines. Other Purchased From Banana Tree Page 10 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Cancer Bush Botanical Name Sutherlandia frutescens Climate Tropical Planting Instructions Grow for 1 year in gallon pots before transplanting. Prefers a lot of space. Light full sun Water Dryish soils Germination Rate Scarify seeds (rub small seeds between sandpaper; for large seeds, clip, cut or file off a small part of the seed coat without damaging the inside of the seed) and fire treat before sowing . To fire treat, plant seed about 1/4 inch deep in a soil block of sandy, moist soil. Wet down the sides of the flat so they do not burn. Place a pile of dried kindling (dry pine needles and cones work best) right on top of the soil and light until it is all burned. Seedlings will emerge within a week or two. Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used Spiritual Needs Do not know by this name Medicinal Uses Used as a bitter tonic for the digestive system to increase digestion, relieve constipation. Description Perennial woody shrub with deeply divided, gray-green leaves and large, showy bright scarlet flowers and inflated seedpods. Other Purchased From Horizon Page 11 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Candlebush, King of the Forest Botanical Name Cassia alata Climate Tropical/Subtropical/Temperate Planting Instructions Prefers sandy soil Light Full sun Water Germination Rate 1-2 weeks. Scarify (rub small seeds between sandpaper; for large seeds, clip, cut or file off a small part of the seed coat without damaging the inside of the seed) and soak. Very long lived seeds (up to 158 years). 75%-100% Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used leaf and flowers Spiritual Needs Do not know by this name Medicinal Uses The leaf is used for skin ailments, for pain relief, fevers, diarrhea, constipation, rheumatism and both flower and leaf preparations are antibacterial, anti parasitic, anti-inflammatory and are used to reduce allergic reaction, asthma, for herpes, sore throats, joint pain, for snake bites and to purge the intestines. Description Ill-smelling shrub, reaching 12-16 feet in height. Its leaves are large and divided into 14-16 pairs of oval lance-shaped leaflets without a stalk, yellow flowers and black fruit. Other Used for tattooing . Good for fixing nitrogen into the soil as it is part of the legume family. Purchased From J.L. Hudson Page 12 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Cardamom Botanical Name Elattaria cardamom Climate Tropical Planting Instructions Light Water Germination Rate Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used seeds Spiritual Needs Have not used this spiritually Medicinal Uses Cardamom is used to ease stomach pain, reduce gas, to stimulate the digestive system and to relieve muscle spasms. It is also used for asthma, bronchitis, kidney stones, lack of appetite, weakness and for urinary incontinence. Description Perennial with tall, simple canes or stems that grow out of a thick rhizome (root) growing to 15 feet with mauve-marked white flowers and very long, dark green, lance-shaped leaves. Seedpods contain many seeds. Other Purchased From Banana Tree Page 13 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Carob Botanical Name Ceratonia silingua Climate Temperate/Subtropic Planting Instructions Pre-soak for 24 hours in warm water prior to sowing. If the seed has not swollen then give it another soaking in warm water until it does swell up. Or scarify (rub small seeds between sandpaper; for large seeds, clip, cut or file off a small part of the seed coat without damaging the inside of the seed). May be kept in pots and brought indoors for the winter. Does not withstand frost. Does well in gravelly or rocky soils. Tolerates alkaline (limestone, dolomite, wood ash, egg shells) soils. Can also grow in sandy and compost-rich soils and nutritionally poor soil. Light full sun Water Well drained soil. Drought-resistant Germination Rate 2 months Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used pulp, bark, seed pods Spiritual Needs Not used spiritually Medicinal Uses The pulp in the pods is mildly laxative; however, it is astringent and is used to treat diarrhea and to gently help cleanse and relieve irritation within the gut. The seed pods are also used in the treatment of coughs and mouth ulcers. The seed husks are astringent and purgative. Description An evergreen tree growing to 45 feet Other Purchased From Horizon Page 14 of 61 Tropical Seeds Common Name Castor Bean Botanical Name Ricinus cummunis carmencita Climate Planting Instructions Grows well in any soil. Soak seeds overnight and plant in pots. Plant out in May. Side dress with compost or plant in compost piles, 5 seeds together and let all of them grow. Light Full sun and heat Water Well drained soil Germination Rate 1-12 weeks Days to Maturity Special Instructions Part of Plant used oil from seeds and leaves Spiritual Needs Do not know by this name Medicinal Uses The oil has a laxative and purgative effect on the digestive system. The oil and the leaves are used externally for burns, rheumatism, lymph glands, tooth and ear ache. Internally, the oil is used for lung affections, shock and worms. The leaves can be used externally for burns, to stimulate milk flow (placed over the breasts), for bruises, to bring on menses, for fever, diabetes, tonsillitis. Description Shrub that grows 6-9 feet tall, alternate leaves, hairy, with long stalk and palm-shaped with many lobes. The flowers are yellow, male and female. Male flowers are at the base and female plants are on top of the plant. The fruit is often thorny, ovoid with smooth shiny red seed capsule. Other Use with extreme caution. Seeds are extremely toxic and possibly fatal if consumed. The oils extracted does not have this toxic property. Purchased From J.L. Hudson Page 15 of 61